By Kevin Acee

Antonio Gates had a couple of passes carom off his normally sure hands against Tennessee. He has yet to catch a third-down pass. He has just six receptions through two games.

"I was pleased with the game," the All-Pro tight end said this week. "I wasn't pleased with certain things I control. There were some catches I should have made based on some adjustments I should have made and some missed timing. There are just things that come with time; this is a long season."

With the Chargers handily controlling both of their games so far, Gates and No."*1 receiver Keenan McCardell have been afterthoughts, with just six receptions apiece. Gates has one touchdown catch, McCardell none.